Once, this area was a wasteland. Now, it’s the Kemal-Altun-Platz.
Here at Kemal-Altun-Platz, we remember a tragic story. This space is more than just a park. It is a place of remembrance. It is a reminder of political persecution.
Kemal Altun was a Turkish student. He sought asylum in Germany. He was fleeing the military junta in Turkey. In 1983, during his extradition trial, he took his own life.
His death sparked protests. Many people protested against the German government’s asylum policies. They gathered on this very wasteland in Ottensen. They unofficially named it Kemal-Altun-Platz.
For years, the name remained unofficial. But the residents of Ottensen remembered. They wanted to honor Altun and other politically persecuted individuals. The explosive topic made official recognition difficult.
In 2012, a citizens’ initiative took action. They created their own street signs. These signs bore the name “Kemal-Altun-Platz”. They put pressure on the Altona district administration.
The district administration responded. They installed official street signs. The citizens’ and district assembly’s wish was granted. The name became a semi-official tribute.
The area’s history extends beyond Kemal Altun. This was once an industrial site. The Maschinenfabrik Menck & Hambrock operated here. Until the 1960s, they produced cranes and excavators. Ottensen was a vital industrial center. The industrial boom faded in the 1960s.
In 1974, the factory buildings were demolished. The area lay barren for years. Citizens fought against redevelopment plans. They wanted to preserve the space.
Today, Kemal-Altun-Platz is a vibrant park. It offers something for everyone. There’s a playground and a soccer field. A streetball court and graffiti walls invite activity. A construction playground and dog run add to the diversity.
The park’s design reflects its industrial past. The central square and the elevated lawn resemble gears. An old excavator stands at the eastern entrance. It serves as an industrial monument. In summer, the park hosts open-air events. Theater and film screenings entertain the community.
Although the name is not fully official, it endures. Kemal-Altun-Platz is a testament to the power of memory. It is a tribute to a life lost. It represents the fight for justice. It is a park for everyone.